In this guide, we're going to completely break down the parallel parking manoeuvre—looking at how to demonstrate it safely, what the examiner will be looking for and when it might be used in real-life conditions. One of three manoeuvres in the driving test, the parallel parking manoeuvre is pretty simple.
The clue is in the name—it will involve you parking your vehicle parallel to the road, typically in a line of other vehicles. During your practical test, you'll usually have to drive your vehicle next to the vehicle in front of the space you want to park in, before you reverse in. Though parallel parking is one of the most disliked manoeuvres for learners, it's easy enough to get your head around with enough practice.
There's a 1-in-3 chance that you'll be asked to complete the parallel parking manoeuvre during your test. If you are asked to demonstrate it, the instructions from the examiner will sound something like this:. This is the parallel parking exercise. When you're ready, drive forward and stop alongside the car ahead. Then, reverse into the space behind the other vehicle, and park reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb.
Try to complete the exercise within two car lengths. As the candidate works their way through the parallel parking manoeuvre, the examiner will be keeping a close eye on their control of the vehicle. This will include how well they handle the clutch and the accuracy to which they park next to the kerb.
Throughout the manoeuvre, they will be monitoring how often the learner checks their mirrors and blindspots, and how aware they are of their surroundings. The examiner will also be watching how steady the candidate is with their steering, both during their point of turn and as they straighten up their vehicle.
As you progress through the parallel parking manoeuvre, the examiner will be looking out for:. The examiner will begin by asking you to park on the left-hand side of the road, well before the nearest parked vehicle. Once you've done so, they'll relay the rest of the instructions and watch as you drive forward next to the other car in preparation for your parallel park.
Now that you've positioned your car just after the other vehicle, it's almost time for you to begin the reversing part of the manoeuvre. Before you can even think about it, though, you need to take a few important precautions. Your car is now in the perfect position for you to reverse into your chosen spot.
Don't forget your MSM routine as you move—this is one of the most potentially hazardous parts of the parallel park manoeuvre. You're now almost at the end of the parallel park manoeuvre. Don't get too cocky though—you've still got to straighten up and make sure you don't hit the kerb and get an instant driving test fault. And there you have it! You've now mastered the art of the parallel park.
As with every other manoeuvre, we always advise learners break the parallel park down into smaller, more manageable stages. After all, it doesn't seem half as intimidating when you're able to work through each step one at a time. Let's face it, you'd be pretty hard pressed to find a driver who hasn't ever had to parallel park, or been in a situation in which being able to so would have been beneficial.
If you live in any sort of residential area, especially ones where space is limited, you'll need to be able to parallel park. After all, unless your neighbours don't have cars, it's unlikely that you'll always have the option to drive forward into a parking space. Even if parking isn't an issue at home, you've still got to deal with things like inner city parking. If you can't find a car park, or all of your available options are full, parallel parking on a street might be the only way you'll get a spot in a place where space is sparse.
Please note: if you've managed to pick out a good parking space that you'll definitely be able to fit into! You have a 1-in-3 chance of being asked to demonstrate the parallel parking manoeuvre on your practical test.
Don't be tempted to forgo practising parallel parking in the hopes that you'll be asked to complete another manoeuvre—make sure you know all three manoeuvres like the back of your hand.
Other than parallel parking, there are two additional manoeuvres that you might be asked to demonstrate during your practical test. These manoeuvres are:. To put it simply, if you want your driving test to continue—and you want to get your hands on that full driving licence—there's no way that you can refuse to complete the parallel park if you're asked to do so by the examiner.
If you're confused about something, you are allowed to ask questions. The examiner will be more than happy to explain their instructions. Outright refusal of a manoeuvre, however, will simply end in a terminated test. It's entirely up to the examiner to pick the location of where you'll have to demonstrate a parallel park. Despite what you might think, examiners aren't limited to quiet, residential areas when it comes to manoeuvres—they're allowed to test your skills on busier roads too.
That being said, with it being a parallel park, it's likely that they'll pick a relatively quiet area. They won't want to run the risk of you holding up traffic on a busy street. As with the location of the manoeuvre, it's entirely up to the examiner to decide when they want to you to carry out the manoeuvre—the DVSA doesn't give them a designated time or anything.
As there's no real way of knowing, there's absolutely no point in you panicking about it. Simply concentrate on your driving and tackle the parallel park if and when you're asked to. It's important to remember, as with any manoeuvre, that you are allowed to take your time. Instead of rushing through the parallel park, take a breath and slow things down.
If you're using your mirrors correctly, you'll be able to tell straight away if you're too close to the kerb. If this happens, make the necessary adjustments—drive forward to your point of turn and try again. Odds are that your driving examiner will have assessed hundreds of learner drivers by this point.
Whether driving or sitting along for the ride, performing this action every time you get in a car will become an afterthought eventually. At the time of your driving test, you will have no issues remembering to buckle your seatbelt before taking off. Failure to make complete stops at stop signs is another automatic fail on the driving test. Solution : Practice driving through neighborhoods and coming to a fully complete stop at each and every stop sign.
Your vehicle should cease motion completely before you continue. Driving too fast unnecessarily is another mistake students fall victim to. Solution : In general, you want to stay at or below the posted speed limit. You will find these signs placed before and after every intersection on service roads, and after every miles on the freeway.
To ease any fears you may have during the examination, be sure to take a quick test drive before you head to the DMV. Bringing your vehicle to a stop is a fundamental you cannot avoid on the road test. While it is simply done by the stamp of the foot, there is a proper and improper way to brake. Improper braking is harsh, rough, and can lead to an automatic failure of your driving test.
Solution : Brake pressure should be applied gently and consistently at first. As you reach your destination, gradually increase your braking pressure based on the distance left to travel. You can practice this along with other fundamentals while city driving or you can simply practice braking in a large, empty parking lot to avoid traffic.
Driving too slowly is a mistake people often make in an effort to avoid driving too quickly. However, slow driving is just as, if not more, dangerous than driving at high speeds. This is because lagging drivers can greatly disrupt the normal flow of traffic. A slow motorist combined with a few inattentive drivers on a freeway can spell disaster for all parties involved. While these signs tell you the maximum speed your vehicle should reach, it is generally good practice to stay within mph below that limit, and no more than 5mph above.
Parallel parking is a difficult skill to master. Many drivers with decades of experience would rather take several extra minutes searching for a non-parallel spot than have to commit to a parallel parking space. In several states such as Texas, student drivers cannot receive their license to operate a motor vehicle without the successful completion of a parallel park.
Solution : Because of the headache that is parallel parking, hundreds of videos, and guides on the subject exist. Browse Google for the style of teaching that works best for you and be sure to practice this method every day. Repetition is key here — try parallel parking in a variety of different situations to perfect your maneuvering. The instructor will check your vehicle, then before you go on the open road, you will be required to parallel Park.
If you fail the parallel park, you fail instantly. How do u do a 3 point turn? To make a three-point turn: Move as far right as possible, check traffic, and signal a left turn. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left and move forward slowly. Shift to reverse, turn your wheels sharply to the right, check traffic, and back your vehicle to the right curb, or edge of roadway.
What automatically fails you in a driving test? Not Understanding the Vehicle. This is what happened to me: I blanked. Failing to Observe when Engaging. Rolling Through a Stop. Riding the Double Line. Improper Safety Demonstrations. Causing an Accident. Unsafe Driving Conditions. Can you fail if you cant parallel park? Parallel Parking It is fine to touch the curb, but don't roll over it. Even if you get points taken off for not successfully parallel parking your car, as long as you don't hit a car or the curb too forcefully, you should still pass your test.
How long does a driving test Take Texas? Do you put your blinker on when parallel parking? Turn on your blinker so other drivers know you're parallel parking. Slowly straighten out your wheel as you continue to reverse into the parking spot.
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